E3: Chumerna Hut to Himik Hut: Day 11

A misty morning among the trees, then down to the Prohoda na Republikata Pass for a very late lunch.

Last night I managed to communicate to the hut keeper that, in answer to his question (translated by Google), I planned to leave at 7:00 am (which is first light). For this reason he was around at 6:45 and I took the opportunity to buy a coffee off him and a "7 Day" chocolate croissant (a brand where long life croissants come in a sealed plastic bag). I saw the croissant bag on a shelf beside him, so it was easy to point to it.

An easier day today as, although there were uphill sections, it was downhill overall. The morning was spent in a thick mist and I was relying on my GPS to get me on the right track. Unfortunately it was playing up, however turning it off then turning it on again solved the problem. The massed trees, silently standing, softened by the grey mist had an attractive air; or maybe I just liked them as it was a change from how they looked for the previous ten days. It was another day walking through woods, mainly beech but areas of other types too. In the afternoon the mist cleared and there was intermittent rain. 

Trees in the morning mist.

Sign eating tree.

Today was unusual as I met others on the trail. At Bukovets Hut, which I reached early on, there was a lady waiting for two runners. She was in the support team and I surmised they were doing a run for charity along the trail. A kilometre or so beyond the hut they passed me, walking fast in the opposite direction to me. I did not hug them as suggested by the lady at Bukovets! I also passed three solo backpackers over the day, like myself, but again walking in the opposite direction. I am going the "wrong" way, most people walk from Kom to Cape Emine, whereas I am going the other way. Language difficulties prevented any conversation. 

Elevenses from my own supplies was at the Karaivanovo Horishte Shelter, like a Scottish bothy with a sleeping platform. After it there were some sections of narrow path, overgrown with saplings in places, on the side of a steep slope. I would not have wanted to slip.

Prohoda na Republikata Pass was my main objective for most of the afternoon, the attraction being cafes serving the busy traffic on the road across the pass. I reached the Pass after a particularly muddy downhill track. On approaching one of the cafes the owner pointed out my muddy shoes, he showed me where I could wash off the mud, but I just took them off and walked in with just my socks on, no use cleaning my boots which would soon be muddy again. I bought a Coke, a bowl of chicken soup and stocked up with chocolate and snack bars for the days ahead.

Target in sight, spot the road going up to the Pass.

A kilometre or so further on I reached Himik Hut, a complete contrast to Chumerna Hut. I have a modern room with ensuite bathroom. Some of the finishing touches are missing but it is luxury compared with last night. There are also others staying here, a hunting party in camouflage clothing with big, black pickups. It reminded me that I had fleeting glimpses of deer this morning. Their tracks are everywhere.

31.1 kilometres walked today.